The New Chapter for Rodgers and Adams at the New York Jets
On a Wednesday team meeting, former Green Bay Packers teammates, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Davante Adams, shared a moment of disbelief at their reunion in the New York Jets.
Adams’ Trade Request and the Unforeseen Reunion
Adams requested a trade following two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders and expressed his pleasure at the Jets being his top pick. “It’s been quite the journey, unquestionably,” admitted Adams, who is eagerly looking forward to his inaugural game with the Jets against the Pittsburgh Steelers on a Sunday night.
“This entire situation unfolded quite unexpectedly, but at the end of it all, we find ourselves in a better position. I believe the Raiders are also better off, allowing everyone to move on,” Adams expressed.
The Rodgers-Adams Partnership: A Game Changer for the Jets
The Jets made a tactical move by trading Adams for a conditional 2025 third-round pick. Adams arrived at the Jets’ facility on Tuesday and has been staying with Rodgers while he settles in. They have devoted time to reviewing game films from their past together, and Rodgers has been assisting Adams in mastering the playbook and updating him on his complex hand-signal system.
Adams credited Rodgers, his quarterback from 2014 to 2021, for his evolution as a player. “Having him as my quarterback again is a large part of why I’ve become the player I am today,” he stated.
Jets’ Strategy to Balance the Attack
The Jets, currently on a three-game losing streak, traded for Adams with the hope of boosting their offense with another playmaker. This move aims to evenly distribute the attack, thereby reducing the double-teams against Garrett Wilson.
However, this could also mean a decrease in the role for Mike Williams, whose future seems uncertain. Williams was absent from Wednesday’s practice due to personal reasons, with no comment from interim coach Jeff Ulbrich about his absence.
The Future of Adams with the Jets
Adams, 31, signaled his intention to stay with the Jets beyond 2024. He expressed, “I hope so. That’s the plan. I would never join a team hoping to find a new home, so that’s the expectation.”
Although contracted through 2026, Adams’ salaries in 2025 and 2026 are unguaranteed and relatively high at $35.6 million each year, which might require contract renegotiation to prevent him from becoming a cap casualty after the season.
The Key Focus: Winning
Despite the internal dynamics, the primary focus for the team remains winning. Rodgers emphasized the importance of winning and believes that the addition of Adams will create more opportunities for others like Wilson and running back Breece Hall.
Adams’ goal is to make an impact every time he steps on the field, a feeling he felt was missing in Las Vegas. He stated, “Not every game’s going to be a 100-yard game or 150-, 200-yard game, but I want to feel like I can impact the game every time I touch the field.”